National Philanthropy Day® (NPD) is a special day set aside to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy–and those people active in the philanthropic community–to the enrichment of our world. First held in 1986, NPD celebrates the endless contributions individuals and organizations across the world make to countless causes and missions.

AFP-NNE's National Philanthropy Day Awards are sponsored by Demont Associates. Harpswell House generously donates the award plaques for recipients.

Outstanding Philanthropist (Individual or Family)This award honors an individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, demonstrates outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles on a community, national, and/or international level. Nominations will be considered based on the responses to the following criteria:

Description of participation in and gift support of non-profit organizations in the community, nationally, and/or internationally.

Description of philanthropic support of innovative approaches to solving problems.

Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles in philanthropy (e.g., challenge gifts, matching gifts, volunteering). ​

Outstanding CorporationThis award honors a corporation or its corporate foundation that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement. Nominations will be considered based on the responses to the following criteria:

Evidence of philanthropic support of innovative approaches to solving problems in the community, nationally, and/or internationally.

Description of impact of gift support and achievements accomplished through the corporation’s efforts.

Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement.

Outstanding FoundationThis award honors a foundation that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and national, international and/or community involvement. Nominations will be considered based on the responses to the following criteria:

Evidence of philanthropic support of innovative approaches to solving problems in the community, nationally and/or internationally.

Description of impact of gift support and achievements accomplished through the foundation’s efforts.

Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement.

Outstanding Volunteer FundraiserThis award honors an individual or family that demonstrates outstanding skills in coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for fundraising projects for the benefit of charitable institutions. The recipient must have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in coordinating groups of volunteers for major fundraising projects for more than one non-profit organization.Nominations will be considered based on the responses to the following criteria:

Evidence of quality of leadership and organizational ability in fundraising campaigns.

Description of time, effort, and personal financial commitment.

Description of fundraising goals achieved by his/her effort.

Evidence of success in recruiting and motivating others.

Description of participation in other local, national, and/or international non-profit organizations.

Outstanding Development ProfessionalThis award honors a development professional who is committed to the values of philanthropy: trust, honesty, tolerance, altruism, and service. S/he possesses the skills and knowledge, as well as extraordinary creativity and energy, to enhance the financial sustainability of their organization, to develop meaningful relationships with donors, to serve as an example and mentor to those new to the profession, and to foster a culture of philanthropy in their organization and beyond.

Nominees must be a paid non-profit staff person with direct responsibility to fundraising and a minimum of 15 years of experience as a professional fundraiser. Nominee must be a member of AFP in good standing.Current Board members of AFP-NNE are not eligible.​Nominations will be considered based on the responses to the following criteria:

Evidence of quality of leadership and organizational ability in fundraising campaigns

Evidence of commitment to the AFP mission and related principles.

Evidence of commitment to continuing professional development Commitment to Continuing Professional Development

Evidence of commitment to fundraising and philanthropy through voluntary service and financial support of nonprofit organizations.

AFP-NNE Demont Scholarship Award for Outstanding Youth in PhilanthropyThis award recognizes service by an individual aged 10 to 23 who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering, and leadership in philanthropy. This is not a community service award, rather it is a publicly and professionally recognized honor for a young person who has both personally, and through the inspired efforts of others, raised a relatively impressive amount of charitable support for the development of an important service or initiative in Northern New England. The winner will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to be applied to a four-year institution at the rate of $1,250* per year.

Nominations will be considered based on the responses to the following criteria:

Description of the scope of the project and results achieved, including:

The purpose for which the youth raised funds;

Organizations and people served;

How this was achieved and the number of people involved;

Financial and direct services that leveraged other resources;

Please include the names and contact information of individuals at the organization who benefited from the nominee’s work. (0-30 points)

2. Amount of funds raised: Description in detail of:

Number of dollars raised, as a direct result of the youth’s efforts;

How the nominee raised funds: process, budget (if relevant) and other people involved in the process (adult leaders or adviser, etc.),

The time, talent and/or treasure the youth gave for the common good.(0-40 points)

3. Long-term (1-2 years) impact of the nominee’s work. Will the project(s) be ongoing, has the nominee considered next steps, or is s/he working on other projects? (0-20 points)

4. Evidence that the project(s) can serve as a prototype for others or is easily replicable in other communities. (0-10 points)​*Please note: Receipt of the scholarship will be contingent upon the continued “good standing” of the recipient, as evidenced by an annual submission of proof of enrollment, as more fully specified in the scholarship acceptance award agreement.

Having our donor win an Award for Philanthropy was incredibly moving for us and them. The whole experience strengthened our relationship and underscored how grateful we are for their contributions to the entire community. They truly felt honored and appreciated."- Tere Gade, Champlain College​Outstanding Development Professional2015 Connie Sanderson2014 Shelly Richardson2011 Ruth Zax, MEd, CFRE2010 Jeannine Tousignant2009 Linda Sirak

"There is no better way to show your gratitude to a donor than to recognize their contributions to your organization with a nomination to receive an Award for Philanthropy. Our corporate donor has been a part of the fabric of our community for more than 50 years. This award honored their commitment to their community and passion for providing caring support to our organization." - Starr M. Manus, Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association